Maximum likelihood borehole corrections for dual-detector density logs
This report discusses Dual-detector density logs which have been used in the petroleum industry for years. The tool was designed with a second detector to allow compensation for the effect of a layer of mudcake between the tool and the formation being measured. The compensation algorithm commonly used calculates the correction to apply to the density measured by the long-spaced detector as proportional to the difference in the densities measured by the two detectors. The coefficient of proportionality is determined from experimental data taken with the tool in a fluid-filled hole of 15 to 40 cm diameter, with uniform thickness sheets of various materials simulating the mudcake. In applying this technology for the Containment program at the Department of Energy Nevada Test Site (NTS) we have discovered two problems. First, we frequently log in air-filled holes much larger than 40 cm. Second, the gap, or layer, is rarely uniform with depth or vertical position on the face of the tool. We have developed a method to determine the proper amount of correction dynamically. No experimental data on the gap effect are needed as long as the two detectors are calibrated to read the proper density when the gap is zero. The method assumes that the form of the equation used in the standard algorithm is correct, but uses the variation of the two density signals with depth to determine the appropriate value of the coefficient, assuming true density varies more slowly than the gap effects. This new, maximum likelihood, method appears to work better than the standard method in both fluid and air-filled holes where the borehole wall is rough and no mudcake is present. It cannot, however, correct for a uniform mudcake or air gap, and so complements but does not replace the standard method.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 142551
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-113796; CONF-9310286-1; ON: DE94007027
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 5. international symposium of Minerals and Geotechnical Logging Society, Tulsa, OK (United States), 24-28 Oct 1993; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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